With modern technology comes modern ways of stealing cultural heritage. A modern-day Indiana Jones has attempted to steal a priceless Roman artifact, making his escape on a rental electric scooter.
Police in Rome were shocked to see a German tourist flying along with a 66-pound slab of marble on an electric scooter. Of course, they pulled him over and asked what on earth he was getting up to. The large stone was quickly identified as an old Roman artifact.
When questioned, the German quickly fessed up to taking home what they called a ‘souvenir.’ The 24-year-old told them they had acquired it, although it is still unclear whether or not they paid for it or not. Either way, stealing or selling Roman heritage pieces is still a crime.
The German tourist is under investigation as to where they managed to get the Roman artifact from. They have clearly received stolen goods, but just where they actually got them from is unknown. A local Roman artifact expert has examined it and claims it is of architectural significance.
Either way, transporting a 66-pound slab of Roman marble on a scooter, paid for or not, is just disrespectful.
Bringing Home A Piece Of History
As an Englishman, I am in no position to comment on the practices of other people taking other cultures’ items for themselves. The British Museum is the biggest homage to colonization and artifact theft on the planet. A trip to that museum is a wonderful opportunity to have a look at all the wonderful things built by anyone other than the British.
We’re great at theft, and terrible at returning it when called out.
But now, most cultures are much better at refusing to let people steal their history. Countries and cultures are doing their best to demand the return of their history. This is why the German stealing away a Roman artifact on an electric scooter is so problematic.
Sure, they may have paid for it, but it’s a part of Roman history. Going around stealing bits of culture isn’t acceptable anymore. Well, unless you’re the British Museum anyway.